Florida Softshell Turtle Baby Care

They do not reach sexual maturity until eight years.

Florida softshell turtle baby care. There are many different kinds of soft shelled turtles. Soft shelled turtles require a very particular habitat and regular diligent care. They are the largest of the new world softshell turtles with the most old world characteristics of the old world like its longitudinally wrinkled carapace tolerance for brackish water and relatively large size. Expect to pay between 50 and 150 on average.

Male 6 12 female 8 24 diet. Florida softshell turtle. The florida softshell turtle is a species of american freshwater turtles and is one of the 26 species of turtles found in florida. It has the darkest carapace of softshell turtle species endemic to florida and whitish cream plastron.

If you think a softshell turtle is a good fit for you get your turtle from a reputable breeder or rescue organization that can provide information on its origin and health. The quality of the water in the tank is important to create a healthy environment for the softshell turtle. Live or pre killed fish insects and worms as well as commercial fish and turtle pellets are all appropriate fare for soft shelled turtles. The florida softshell turtle has a flat body long neck an elongated head and a snorkel like nose.

Florida softshell turtles quickly learn to come to feeding and will liven up any tank with their antics. A newborn is about the size of a half dollar give or take and a healthy baby grows very gradually. They can however make excellent pets if you know what to expect and how to handle it. They re highly animated feeders and nearly any edible material plunked into the tank will be eagerly devoured by a softshell.

Florida softshells may live more than 30 years in captivity. Florida soft shell turtles are one of the more unique species that you re going to find and they re a great addition to your pond they get their name from their soft shell structure which lacks spiny scutes common in most others. The baby softshell turtle is one of the hardest turtles to keep as a pet. Because of their complex care needs softshell turtles usually aren t recommended for beginners.

Florida softshell turtle for sale. These turtles can also become very large and sometimes they can be aggressive towards other turtles and humans. The florida softshell turtles are cute smart and fun pets to have. Florida softshell turtle care.

In the wild they are strong carnivores preferring crayfish snails mussels frogs and assorted worms and insects. Most importantly they can grow to be quite large so it s important to know how to care for them. The florida softshell turtle can grow over two feet and the weight can reach up to 40 pounds which means that if it is the breed that you plan to have as a pet you need to choose a large aquarium. As with most aquatic turtles the florida softshell turtle has webbed feet.

Choosing your softshell turtle.